Splattern

Splattern details the author's running and skiing adventures across Canada, emphasizing community, personal growth, and nature's beauty. It reflects on human connections, enduring physical challenges, and planning future endeavors like an Africa run. Gratitude and the importance of kindness and support are recurring themes.

Adventure Community Personal Growth Nature Physical Endurance Gratitude Kindness Future Plans

The hottest Substack posts of Splattern

And their main takeaways

Okanogan Valley

99 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Running Camping Local culture
  1. The Okanogan Valley is a beautiful area for outdoor adventures, especially for those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature. It's famous for its apple orchards, with 60% of the nation's apples grown in Washington.
  2. Meeting locals along the journey can lead to interesting conversations and opportunities. Whether it's learning about local products or receiving job offers, these interactions make the adventure more memorable.
  3. Camping in people's yards or nearby parks often leads to unexpected stories and support from strangers. It's a great way to connect with the community while on the road.

Kwasunga

39 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Cultural Exchange Running Health & Wellness Community Engagement
  1. Running at your own pace is important for staying healthy. Trying to match someone else's speed can lead to injuries.
  2. Connecting with local people can happen through activities like soccer, which breaks down language barriers and builds friendships.
  3. There are different views on help and support, and while some locals seek aid, it's crucial to approach these situations with understanding and patience.

High and Higher Thoughts

79 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Growth Adventure Art Self-Expression Emotional Well-being
  1. Experiencing new perspectives, especially through things like yoga or even drugs, can help us understand our own thoughts better. It's like seeing your own view from a different angle.
  2. Being present and emotionally connected can lead to surprising feelings, like joy from simple movements. It's important to allow ourselves to feel and express emotions.
  3. Women are achieving amazing things, often without the same level of recognition as men. It's vital to acknowledge their contributions and visibility in adventurous fields.

Farewell

119 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Outdoors Family Lifestyle
  1. The author has enjoyed their blog journey but is now ready to embrace new adventures in life. They are excited about the upcoming challenges, like skiing in the snow with their stroller.
  2. They mention their destination is Gray Creek and describe the adventurous plans, which include traveling on a forest service road and enjoying skiing.
  3. The author fondly recalls family moments, like playing Settler’s of Catan, showing that they value both adventure and family time in their life.

Marblemount to Kirkland

79 implied HN points • 10 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Road trips Photography Outdoor activities Personal Stories
  1. Adventure and entrepreneurship share a lot in common. Both involve uncertainty and require passion, where the journey matters more than just making money.
  2. Connecting with friends and community can be incredibly rewarding. This journey brought meaningful interactions and memories with those who supported along the way.
  3. Finding joy in the simple things, like nature and good food, can be a great way to appreciate life. Experience can become richer when shared with others or celebrated through small moments.
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Onward (or not!)

19 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Running Health Fundraising
  1. Climbing a mountain can feel like breaking the rules, but it's also a chance to learn and give back. It's important to reflect on our experiences and not just take without acknowledging the surrounding poverty.
  2. Running through local villages can create genuine connections, showing that kindness and small acts of giving can brighten someone's day. Sharing smiles and support is a powerful way to engage with others.
  3. Listening to your body and taking care of yourself is crucial, especially when traveling. It's okay to slow down and heal before jumping into new adventures.

Kimberley

119 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Lifestyle Community Cultural
  1. Litter on the roadside can tell you a lot about the area’s habits, especially drinking culture. It's surprising to see how much trash is left behind by people.
  2. Meeting locals can lead to unexpected kindness, like being invited for dinner and a place to stay. It's great to connect with others while traveling.
  3. Being outside regularly can bring new experiences and even teach you things, like learning about buttercups from friendly hikers. Being out of the loop can sometimes lead to fun discoveries.

Johnson Lake Recreation Site

119 implied HN points • 30 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Camping Running Personal journey Lifestyle
  1. Meeting new people can really boost your mood. A friendly chat or some kind words can make a tough day feel better.
  2. Our past relationships shape who we are. Dreams about old relationships can remind us of how much we've grown and changed.
  3. Taking time to think before making big decisions is important. It shows you're considering what you really want in life.

La Banana

39 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Cultural Exchange History Food Sports
  1. In Zanzibar, locals often earn very low wages, with salaries around $100 a month for hotel workers. Some, like Helga, are trying to improve this by paying her employees more, but the business environment can be tough.
  2. There are many interesting discussions about history and culture in Zanzibar. One local shared a view that questions common historical narratives about slavery and British influence, which makes you think about what we really know.
  3. Zanzibar has a vibrant social scene where locals are athletic and active. The beaches are great for playing sports with the locals, and you can learn a lot from their energy and skills.

Little Fort

159 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Community Adventure Personal Experience Support Charity
  1. Extreme winter communities tend to bond closely because they rely on each other for survival. Helping one another becomes necessary in harsh conditions.
  2. Acts of kindness can come unexpectedly, as shown by Judi inviting someone for a warm meal and a place to stay. It's nice to see people open their homes to others.
  3. We all have a responsibility to help those in need. There are easy ways to get involved and make a difference in our communities.

Running for sick children

59 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🎾 Sports Fundraising Children's Health
  1. People are running long distances to raise money for sick children. Their efforts help support children's hospitals and cancer foundations.
  2. One notable runner, Jamie McDonald, raised over £200,000 for kids' hospitals after spending years in hospitals himself. His journey inspired others to do similar fundraising.
  3. Constructing hospitals for children, like the one in East Africa, makes a big difference. These hospitals now help treat hundreds of patients every day.

Boston Calling

59 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Music Activism Festivals History Community
  1. At the Boston Calling music festival, the crowd made the speaker realize they had to trust in the people around them and let go of control. It felt good to be part of such a big gathering without any panic.
  2. Hozier used his platform to educate the audience about civil rights and the importance of protests throughout history. He reminded everyone that small acts of kindness can really make a difference in the world.
  3. Zane believes that you can promote love and peace simply by living your passion and doing what you love. You don't need to fight against anything; just showing your joy can inspire others.

Icefields parkway

119 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Hiking Exploration Culture
  1. Exploring the Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking experience that leaves a lasting impact. The beauty of the mountains and nature can really make you feel alive.
  2. Connecting with locals and fellow adventurers can greatly enhance your journey. Meeting kind people who share your passion can make your experience more memorable.
  3. Finding balance between solitude and connection is important in any adventure. While solo journeys are enriching, sharing experiences with others can bring an added layer of joy.

The creative path

59 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Music Career Lifestyle
  1. Creatives often have non-traditional career paths that can be confusing to those in standard jobs. Success for a creative person can look very different than for someone in a typical career.
  2. Even those who seem successful in creative fields, like acting or music, often struggle financially. Many still have to work other jobs to support themselves, even if they are getting regular work.
  3. Having a supportive network, like family and friends, can be crucial for creatives. It's important to have people who believe in your dreams and help you navigate the ups and downs.

Pre-Kilimanjaro Take 2

19 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Social justice War Crimes Health Advocacy Literature
  1. Sexual violence is a huge problem that happens in many places, including war zones and homes. It's important to understand how and why it occurs to effectively respond to it.
  2. Rape is often used as a weapon of war, showing a disturbing connection between violence and control over populations. This problem goes beyond geography and also affects peaceful countries.
  3. Everyone can help combat sexual violence by speaking out, supporting victims, and teaching respect. Men have a crucial role in changing the conversation around women's rights and fighting against these issues.

Jasper

119 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Health Community Fitness Personal Growth
  1. Building a support network is important. Friends and mentors can help you push your limits and stay motivated during adventures.
  2. Strength training is key for endurance athletes. It helps prevent injuries and improves overall performance, even when you're tired from running.
  3. Adventuring can open up new possibilities in life. Doing what you love not only brings joy but also inspires others to chase their dreams.

Welcome to Clearwater

139 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Environment Culture Health Food
  1. A supportive community can really help during tough times. Even when feeling unmotivated, kind gestures from others can make a difference.
  2. The experience of tech workers can vary greatly. Some feel overworked and undervalued, leading to tough personal challenges.
  3. Life experiences shape how we view the world. For older generations, like Jean, their difficult upbringing has taught them to appreciate nature and health even more.

Welcome to Kamloops

139 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Running Culture Food Lifestyle
  1. The author's experience camping at a rest area was brightened by a stranger's kind words, showing the positive impact of small gestures.
  2. Running faster than usual helped the author realize they could enjoy their journey while pushing their limits.
  3. The author's hosts in Kamloops were generous, offering help with shopping and a cozy home-cooked meal, highlighting the kindness of strangers during travel.

Race Day

59 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🎭️ Culture Adventure Storytelling Personal Reflection Travel Running
  1. The author is participating in a 50-mile race on familiar trails, which brings back childhood memories of hiking with their dad. These moments reflect a mix of nostalgia and personal growth.
  2. They are using the race as a chance to think about a future adventure in Africa, aiming to combine running with creating content. This shows a desire to merge physical challenges with creative storytelling.
  3. Inspired by other adventurers, the author plans to undertake an unsupported journey while documenting their experience. Learning from the past, they hope to prepare better and faster for the content side of their adventure.

Marble Canyon and Cache Creek

139 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Camping Hiking
  1. The journey from Lillooet to Marble Canyon presented diverse landscapes, including deserts and ranch lands, which was surprising and beautiful.
  2. Meeting friendly people along the way provided support and fun experiences, like getting fresh salmon and snacks from fellow adventurers.
  3. The warmth of the night and kindness of campground owners highlighted the simple comforts that make camping enjoyable after a long trek.

Old Rossland-Cascade Highway Ski Traverse

79 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Outdoor Nature Journey
  1. Adventuring can be about using creativity to solve problems, like making a sled from a baby stroller for tough terrain. It shows that you can think outside the box in tricky situations.
  2. Meeting new people can add a lot to your journey. Talking to locals can give you valuable tips and make the trip more enjoyable.
  3. It's important to keep moving forward, no matter how slow you go. Progress is progress, even if it feels slow at times.

Throwing darts at a wall

59 implied HN points • 15 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Culture Experiences
  1. Planning a trip can be exciting and helps in showing appreciation for those who supported you along the way.
  2. Finding new adventures often leads to unexpected and exciting experiences that can change your perspective.
  3. It's important to acknowledge and thank the people who are part of your journey, as they play a big role in your success.

Onward

119 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Outdoors Health Wellness Lifestyle
  1. The adventure of running offers a gradual way to adapt to new environments, allowing for better connection with nature. Instead of jumping into challenges, taking things step-by-step can help prevent surprises later on.
  2. It's important to listen to your body and know that there are many ways to enjoy adventures, not just by pushing through pain. Sometimes, taking a break or changing plans can be more beneficial.
  3. Gratitude towards supportive friends and community can enrich experiences. Good relationships and kindness can make a person's journey more fulfilling and enjoyable.

Welcome to Christina Lake

79 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Exploration Culture History
  1. The Old Rossland Cascade Highway used to be the only route from Rossland to Vancouver until 1962, but it's not very popular today.
  2. Rossland, known as 'the golden city', started as a mining town where gold literally shook off trucks on Main Street.
  3. A local named Rob shared interesting history about the area, adding to the adventure exploring its past.

Third times the charm

159 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Camping Nature Outdoors
  1. Camping alone in the snow can be tough but also rewarding. You can learn a lot about yourself and how to handle challenges when you're outside.
  2. It's okay to ask for help and rely on others sometimes. Friends and strangers can support you in your adventures, making the experience more enjoyable.
  3. Listening to your body is important. Pushing through pain might lead to injuries, so it's better to take care of yourself and recognize when to take a break.

How Slocan you go?

79 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Food Culture Lifestyle
  1. The Slocan Valley is a laid-back place where people enjoy a slower pace of life. Locals embrace the idea of taking your time, whether it's running errands or building a house.
  2. Meeting friendly locals like Helen, Daniel, and Steve made for memorable experiences. They shared their passion for gardening, making chocolate, and personal stories, which enriched the journey.
  3. Exploring the natural beauty along the Slocan Lake and running on rail trails was refreshing. It felt good to immerse in nature while enjoying delicious treats from local bakeries.

Welcome to Tanzania

39 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
🏝 Travel Cultural Historical Culinary Social
  1. Tanzania was formed in 1964 by merging Tanganyika and Zanzibar, each with its own unique history and culture. Tanganyika was once a colony, while Zanzibar was famous for its spices.
  2. Tanzania is home to over 120 tribes, each with its own language and traditions. People often visit their tribes annually to celebrate their culture with music and dance.
  3. The local diet is high in meat, including game meat like zebra and impala, which just became legal to sell. The lifestyle is generally slow and peaceful, with friendly people.

Seattle beckons

59 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Food Nature Lifestyle
  1. Returning to Seattle feels familiar but also makes me realize I'm slipping back into old habits. It's easy to fall into routines that aren't helpful.
  2. Even though life feels normal again, I've been feeling a bit aimless without a job. It's a reminder that new goals can give life purpose.
  3. I started training for my upcoming trip to Africa, which should help me feel stronger and more focused. It's exciting to set new challenges for myself.

Slowly then all at once

39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Desire Identity Society Lifestyle Urban life
  1. Wanting things can feel really intense, like needing air or water. It can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time.
  2. Life is full of contradictions. You can want freedom but also desire a relationship, or crave fame yet value privacy.
  3. Change can happen gradually, then all at once. You might feel like you're becoming a new person, but still hold on to pieces of who you were.

Wendy Thompson and Keith’s hut

119 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Skiing Running Camping
  1. The journey involved skiing from Pemberton to Lillooet, which included staying a couple of nights in beautiful huts. It was a great outdoor adventure!
  2. Making new friends along the way added to the experience. Spending time with fellow adventurers made the trip even more enjoyable and memorable.
  3. The final leg of the trip was a 100 km run to Lillooet, where the hospitality of a local restaurant owner was a heartwarming end to the journey.

Day in Valemount

99 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Exploration Personal Stories Culture Education
  1. The author had a fun day at an elementary school in Valemount, engaging with students who were excited about skiing. They connected well since most kids loved to ski too, and their curiosity led to many questions.
  2. The author is pushing a baby jogger filled with camping gear during their run across Canada, which has been quite challenging. They expressed a desire to switch to biking to reduce the physical strain on their body.
  3. The hosts, Tom and Peggy, have unique backgrounds, with Tom previously being a monk and Peggy becoming an artist after retiring from teaching. Their stories show how life can change and lead to new passions.

The Africa Uniform

39 implied HN points • 03 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Adventure Community Personal Growth Health
  1. Amundsen Sports and Norda provided clothes and shoes for a big African running adventure. The gear helped improve performance and comfort during the runs.
  2. At a dance session, expressing genuine feelings like anger can actually attract others instead of pushing them away. Being true to yourself creates genuine connections.
  3. A friend shared the joy of seeing someone regain life after sobriety, highlighting the positive impact of support groups. This inspires thoughts about future fundraising adventures.

Hey Honey

39 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Self-discovery Travel Wellness Personal Growth
  1. The writer is preparing for a trip to Africa and is excited about running while taking the time to enjoy the experience. A conversation with an experienced runner helped boost their confidence.
  2. After feeling awkward during a dance, they reflected on the importance of human connection in New York. They realized that feelings of loneliness can lead to deeper connections with others.
  3. The writer is embracing their current freedom and uncertainty in life. They plan to monetize their blog as a way to generate income while staying true to their passion.

Mbahe

19 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Health Nonprofit Sports
  1. A fundraising effort is building a women's house at a children's hospital in East Africa. This house will help mothers stay close to their kids while they receive treatment.
  2. The author enjoyed running toward Kilimanjaro and shared a meaningful goodbye with his translator and friend, Masoud. He hopes for Masoud's success and stability in the future.
  3. Emanuel, a guide the author meets, started a nonprofit to help poor villages by providing food and education. He believes education is key for young people to find jobs and have better lives.

Welcome to the USA

59 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Outdoor Personal journey Nature
  1. The journey from Canada to the USA showed that surprising connections can happen anywhere, like bonding over coffee with a stranger who had strong opinions about politics.
  2. Meeting different people along the way, from local shop owners to military veterans, highlighted diverse life stories and unique perspectives on adventure and history.
  3. Experiencing both kindness and challenges in new places reminded how people are often welcoming, but the rules and attitudes can vary widely, especially when it comes to camping or local customs.

Sitting on dogs

99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Literature Lifestyle Food Politics
  1. Dog-sitting can be a fun way to relax and enjoy some time off. Playing with dogs like Scout and Snickers can lift your spirits.
  2. Catching up on stories like 'The Lord of the Rings' can provide insights into political and social themes. It's interesting to see how the challenges faced by characters mirror real-world issues.
  3. Making fresh pasta is easier than it seems, and the result can be delicious! Just flour and eggs can create a tasty meal.

Kisangiro

19 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Fundraising Personal journey Community
  1. Running through villages often shows more hospitality than in big towns. The connections made in smaller communities can feel warmer and more genuine.
  2. Masoud is considering his future and education, with a focus on starting a business or going to university. A supportive gesture can really change someone's life.
  3. Hunger in Tanzania is complex, with many people eating just enough to survive. It's not always visible, and understanding the financial aspect behind it is key.

Njoro (Village)

19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Culture Health Exploration Charity
  1. Running through rural Africa can be an eye-opening adventure, with unique wildlife encounters and local experiences. Even getting lost leads to unexpected fun and learning.
  2. It's important to balance goals with enjoying the journey. While fundraising is a priority, taking time to appreciate the surroundings can make the experience richer.
  3. Health and safety can be a concern in new environments, but staying calm and seeking help is key. Simple problems can feel overwhelming, but they can be managed with a little support.

McLure

99 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🏝 Travel Adventure Nature Sustainability Community Food
  1. Leaving a warm home can be really tough, especially when the food is delicious and the company is great. It's hard to say goodbye to comforts like good cooking.
  2. Meeting new people on the journey can be rewarding. For example, Liam shared his farm life and offered food and company, making the experience special.
  3. Community involvement is important, especially during emergencies. People often show up to help in crises, but it's better if they're prepared and involved beforehand.

Center of the Community

119 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Community Health Fitness Public Services
  1. Community centers offer valuable activities and services, like affordable gym access and wellness options. It's great to see how they promote health and fitness in a fun way.
  2. Trying new workouts, like the Stair Master, can be a refreshing experience. It allows you to focus on personal progress without comparisons to others.
  3. Engaging in unique activities, such as rock climbing, helps build confidence and reduces the pressure of performance. It's okay to fail and learn without judgment.